Preparatory questions

We have given examples below of questions you may be asked at a credibility interview. The interviewer will be looking for students who can show they have thought carefully about where and what to study.

Why do you want to study in the UK?

Explain what attracted you to the UK and the course you have chosen at DMU. What makes it better than similar courses in your home country, or other countries such as Canada, the USA or Australia?

Why did you choose De Montfort University (DMU)?

People choose their university for a range of reasons, from academic quality to the location of the campus, to positive experiences of friends or family. Explain why you chose DMU and what factors were important to you.

How did you find out about DMU?

Talk about any research you did before you applied and how you found out about DMU and the course you have chosen. Was it through websites, prospectuses, friends and family or other methods?

Do you know where DMU is located, the size of the university and how many students attend?

Did you think about studying anything else and why did you choose this course?

Are you planning on further study in the UK after you complete this course?

If you plan to undertake further study in the UK, explain what you intend to study and how it will relate to the course at DMU.

How do you explain the gaps in your education/employment history – what were you doing during this time?

Some students take a year out to travel or to work in a family business, leaving a gap in their education or employment history. If your visa application shows you were not in education or employment for a period of time, you will need to explain what you were doing and why you did not decide to study a course at this time.

What is your current occupation?

This is an opportunity to discuss how your work experience wilI help you in your studies, or how your course will help you develop your future career.

How will you pay for your studies?

To obtain a student visa, you will need to show you have enough money to pay for your course and cover your living costs, and where this money will come from – for example parents or a sponsor.

Would you be able to pay your full tuition fees in advance?

DMU offers a full fee discount for students who pay their full tuition fees in advance. If you cannot do this, explain why you would need to pay in instalments.

Do you know how much your accommodation will cost?

DMU’s International Student Accommodation Guarantee means all new international students are guaranteed a place in university accommodation. Find out more about international student accommodation and contract lengths and prices for our halls of residences, and private rented accommodation options.

Do you know how much your living expenses will be?

The interviewer will expect you to understand how much things like food, bills and socialising will cost. Below is a weekly budget guide:

Weekly budget guide

Rent

£70 - £110

Food and toiletries

£35 - £50

Books and stationery

£10

Laundry

£4

Telephone and postage

£10

Miscellaneous

£10

The international student calculator may help you plan and manage your money, and shows examples of how students have budgeted for life at university in the UK.

If you intend to work in the UK, do you know how many hours you are allowed to work? Will this be to help pay for your course, accommodation and living costs?

Students on a Tier 4 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, however, you will be expected to focus on your studies throughout the course. See UKVI’s website for more information on Tier 4 student rights and responsibilities

English language ability

The interviewer will also be checking your English speaking and listening ability. If your interview is over the telephone or through a video call and you are finding it difficult to hear due to technical problems, you should tell the interviewer so they do not mistake this for poor English language ability.

Help us to help future international students

So we can keep this information up to date for future international students, we would appreciate feedback from students who have recently experienced a credibility interview. You can email your feedback to: